Spokesman: Iran’s Satellite Launch Not in Breach of UNSC Resolution

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman rejected the US and French allegations that Tehran’s recent launch of a satellite into orbit was in violation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, saying it was a totally civilian activity.

In an interview with IRIB on Wednesday, Bahram Qassemi dismissed the US and French claims that Iran’s move to launch a satellite violated resolution 2231, which endorses the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

“We strongly condemn the baseless and irrelevant remarks by the US secretary of state and the French officials,” Qassemi noted.

He explained that Iran stands on its own feet when it comes to the space technology, stressing that Tehran will vigorously keep enhancing such homegrown capabilities for the country’s progress and for enjoying the advantages of space industry.

Iran’s move to launch a satellite into orbit is by no means in violation of any of the UN Securely Council Resolutions, specifically the UNSC Resolution 2231, Qassemi underscored, adding, “Unfortunately, some (countries) in the world are worried about Iran’s scientific advances, though there is no reason for such concerns and such stances are only adopted to foment Iranophobia.”

He further stressed that Iran will keep trying to upgrade its infrastructures in various spheres in order to gain the position it deserves.

Qassemi finally explained that the application of the civilian satellite that Iran launched into space is quite clear, noting that such satellites are used for meteorological purposes and studying climate changes.

On Tuesday, Iran launched a satellite, dubbed Payam, into space. The satellite, however, failed to reach the orbit in the final stage.

Although Payam and its carrier had gone through successful tests, the satellite failed to reach the required speed on detachment from the rocket in the third stage.

Officials say Iran still plans to launch another low Earth orbit satellite, Doosti (Friendship in Persian), in the near future.